French Lick, IN
French Lick Scenic Railway
French Lick Scenic Railway — THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
2026 dates published
Source recheck due. The details below describe the dated source review; confirm current plans with the operator.
Select performances November 6–December 23, 2026
Ticket status: The official 2026 series lists a mixture of ticket links and Sold Out performances as checked October 26, 2026. Check the exact performance; no available seat is promised.
Current ticket availability has not been rechecked today.
Source checked 2026-10-30 · Ticket status checked 2026-10-26
Source review 2026-10-30: French Lick’s train ride includes cocoa, cookies, Santa and a keepsake bell. The official series contains both ticket links and sold-out performances.
Recheck dates with the operator →Tickets are handled by the railway. Check your specific performance before booking other travel.
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-24- TypeHistoric diesel excursion through Southern Indiana hills, forest, rock cuts, and Burton Tunnel
- LocationFrench Lick, IN
- Rating4.4 ★896 Google reviews
- Typical rideAbout 90 minutes with an approximately 10-minute turnaround stop
- Tickets & faresOnline or phone tickets remain at depot Will Call; physical ticket pickup is required
- AccessibilityLift access only to cars 1710 and 7002; standard wheelchairs only; motorized chairs and scooters cannot use the lift; call ahead
About French Lick Scenic Railway
French Lick Scenic Railway is the operating name of the nonprofit Indiana Railway Museum. Its standard scenic excursion leaves the 1907 limestone depot for a 90-minute out-and-back trip through Southern Indiana hills, the edge of Hoosier National Forest, limestone and sandstone cuts, a lake, and the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel. Scenic and Polar Express trips have separate schedules and trip lengths. Check the official event listing for your selected date and performance.
Plan a French Lick Scenic Railway Day
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, first-time scenic riders, and tunnel-focused railfans
Ride through Burton Tunnel
Take the 90-minute scenic round trip through forest edge, rock cuts, lake views, and the 2,200-foot tunnel, then reverse over the same track.
Comfort-focused visitors and multigenerational groups
Choose the right car class
Compare coach, open-air, first-class, and dome inventory on the date itself because availability and included amenities change by excursion.
Visitors who need step-free car-level access
Plan accessible boarding before purchase
Call the railway to place a standard wheelchair in lift-equipped car 1710 or 7002 and discuss the no-scooter lift boundary.
Visitors building a fuller French Lick day
Continue into town history
Walk or drive the short distance to French Lick West Baden Museum for circus, Pluto Water, resort, casino, and Larry Bird stories.
Upcoming Events
Official schedule snapshot
2026 operator event catalog
This is a partial snapshot of currently published dates. Confirm the full schedule and availability directly with the operator. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- Scenic datesSelect October departures are listed by the railway; check the current event calendar
- Scenic departureTimes vary by performance; follow your ticket and allow time for physical ticket pickup. The railway uses Eastern Time.
- Ride lengthAbout 90 minutes with an approximately 10-minute turnaround stop
- RouteSouthern Indiana hills, edge of Hoosier National Forest, rock cuts, lake views, and 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel
- Scenic faresOpen-air $32; adults 12+ from $24; children 2-11 from $18; seniors 55+ from $22; class pricing varies
- TicketsOnline or phone tickets remain at depot Will Call; physical ticket pickup is required
- ParkingFree Blue, RV, and Railway lots; Railway lot is small and prioritized for shorter walking distances
- AccessibilityLift access only to cars 1710 and 7002; standard wheelchairs only; motorized chairs and scooters cannot use the lift; call ahead
- RestroomsMany cars have small restrooms; use depot facilities before boarding
- Motive powerDiesel-electric; no operating steam locomotive
- Time zoneEastern Time and observes daylight saving time
- Address8594 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432
Find the Depot
The Trains
Diesel-electric locomotives power current trips; the official FAQ states that no steam locomotive is operating. Service classes include coach, first class, dome, and open-air equipment, but availability changes by excursion. Historic cars include First Class cars 1710, 1720, and 1740, coach cars, bi-level equipment, DMU cars, and preserved collection pieces. Wheelchair lift access is limited to cars 1710 and 7002 and standard wheelchairs.
History
The limestone depot, rail line, and 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel were built for the Southern Railway branch.
Indiana Railway Museum was founded in Westport, Indiana.
The museum relocated from Westport to Greensburg.
The museum moved to French Lick after Southern Railway deeded sixteen miles of track.
See full history
The Indiana Railway Museum was founded in Westport in 1961 with one small locomotive, three passenger cars, about twenty volunteers, and roughly 500 riders in its first full season. It relocated to Greensburg in 1971 and then to French Lick in 1978 after Southern Railway deeded sixteen miles of track from West Baden toward Dubois. The railway now operates as French Lick Scenic Railway and interprets history through the ride rather than a traditional exhibit hall. The line and its 1907 depot lead south through Burton Tunnel, built for Southern Railway's French Lick-Huntingburg branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the remaining 2026 scenic rides?
The railway lists select October scenic departures. Check its current event calendar for your specific date and time.
How long is the scenic train ride?
The standard trip lasts about 90 minutes, including an approximately 10-minute halfway stop while the crew prepares for the reverse movement back to French Lick.
How much are scenic tickets?
The current page lists open-air at $32, adult fares from $24, children ages 2-11 from $18, and seniors 55+ from $22. Prices depend on service class and event.
Where do I pick up tickets?
Advance tickets are held at Will Call inside the limestone depot. The railway requires the physical ticket and does not accept only an email confirmation for boarding.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is limited. Cars 1710 and 7002 can use a lift for standard wheelchairs, but motorized wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted on the lift. Call before booking.
Are there restrooms and refreshments?
Many cars have small restrooms, and a snack bar operates on most rides. The railway recommends using the depot restroom first and carrying cash because card service can be spotty.
Does a steam locomotive pull the train?
No. The official FAQ says current trains use diesel-electric power and that the railway has no operating steam locomotive.
Where should large vehicles park?
Large pickups, RVs, buses, trailers, and campers should use the free Blue or RV parking areas rather than the small Railway lot.
Can I bring a pet or service animal?
Service dogs are welcome. Pets may be on the property but are not allowed aboard the train.
How should I pair the ride with the local museum?
French Lick West Baden Museum is roughly 0.4 mile away. Protect the train departure first and confirm the museum's weekend hours by phone because its official pages disagree.
Sources & Verification
Sources checked August 24, 2026. The operator has not confirmed this profile.
- Official current event listing; scenic-date summary rechecked September 30, 2026
- Official scenic ride page for duration, route, Burton Tunnel, current fares, and October operating pattern
- Official FAQ for ticketing, boarding, parking, accessibility, restrooms, pets, refreshments, power, and policies
- Official history for founding, relocations, Southern Railway track, experiential-museum model, and Burton Tunnel
- Official car-class directory for coach, first class, dome, open-air, engine, and preserved equipment boundaries
- Official contact page for depot address, time zone, boarding, parking, and large-vehicle guidance
- Official Polar Express train series for the published season, program and individual performance status; rechecked September 30, 2026
- Licensed French Lick railway and town image collection
